by Meghan
The first time I ever went to a fan convention, it blew my 14-year-old mind. “You mean, EVERYONE here is into the same geeky stuff I’m into?” Growing up in a small city where maybe you’d find one or two like-minded dweebs, this was a huge deal. Needless to say, my enthusiasm got the best of me, and at the end of the day I was starving, exhausted and broke. Thankfully, since then I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to maximize fun and minimize the bad stuff. In anticipation of DragonCon, I’m going to have to remind myself of my own personal Ten Con Commandments:
1. Thou shalt wear what you want
Spandex? Sweatpants? Stilettos? Sneakers? This is the one time of year where you get to wear whatever the hell you feel like wearing, and I fully plan on taking advantage of it. And no passive-aggressive comments out loud about “UGH I would never wear THAT at a convention. ” I know I’ve changed my ideas about what to wear many times, there is no one true way to dress at con.
Spandex? Sweatpants? Stilettos? Sneakers? This is the one time of year where you get to wear whatever the hell you feel like wearing, and I fully plan on taking advantage of it. And no passive-aggressive comments out loud about “UGH I would never wear THAT at a convention. ” I know I’ve changed my ideas about what to wear many times, there is no one true way to dress at con.
2. Thou shalt take several breaks
DragonCon happens every year. Don’t burn out early trying to squeeze several days into one! I’ll make sure to get plenty of sleep, eat good meals, and find a quiet corner every once in a while. I’m packing tons of outfits, which might seem unorthodox, but a costume change forces you to take a substantial break. Get different shoes on so that the ones you are wearing don’t rub you in the same spot all day long.
DragonCon happens every year. Don’t burn out early trying to squeeze several days into one! I’ll make sure to get plenty of sleep, eat good meals, and find a quiet corner every once in a while. I’m packing tons of outfits, which might seem unorthodox, but a costume change forces you to take a substantial break. Get different shoes on so that the ones you are wearing don’t rub you in the same spot all day long.
3. Thou shalt not overinvest into a panel/event
Things go wrong, lines get long, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t let one sucky event ruin the whole day. Having a plan B and a positive attitude has helped me bounce back from the inevitable disappointments. Also, no one likes a party pooper, and DragonCon is one big party!
Things go wrong, lines get long, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t let one sucky event ruin the whole day. Having a plan B and a positive attitude has helped me bounce back from the inevitable disappointments. Also, no one likes a party pooper, and DragonCon is one big party!
4. Thou shalt make several trips to the dealers room
The crowds may be intense, but buyer’s regret is longer lasting. Do a recon mission, then buy everything you want later, when you’re sure you want that thingamabob. If I absolutely need to get it, I’ll definitely remember to make a special trip for it later.
The crowds may be intense, but buyer’s regret is longer lasting. Do a recon mission, then buy everything you want later, when you’re sure you want that thingamabob. If I absolutely need to get it, I’ll definitely remember to make a special trip for it later.
5. It’s just a costume
Have you ever walked around on a TV show set? Everyone knows they are poorly-made facades, but it doesn't really sink in until you actually see that the “bar” is just two large pieces of poster board attached with duct tape. Likewise, some of the best costumes are just enthusiasm and dreams. I shouldn't let the details bum me out so much that it takes away from the fun.
Have you ever walked around on a TV show set? Everyone knows they are poorly-made facades, but it doesn't really sink in until you actually see that the “bar” is just two large pieces of poster board attached with duct tape. Likewise, some of the best costumes are just enthusiasm and dreams. I shouldn't let the details bum me out so much that it takes away from the fun.
6. Embrace thy fandom
That’s what I’m here for, right? Don’t always tag along with your friends. It’s nice to learn more about a variety of geekery, but carve out some time for your own interests, even if nobody else is into it. It’s hard for me to leave the pack sometimes, but it’s worth it to go to that event I really want to attend. That being said…
That’s what I’m here for, right? Don’t always tag along with your friends. It’s nice to learn more about a variety of geekery, but carve out some time for your own interests, even if nobody else is into it. It’s hard for me to leave the pack sometimes, but it’s worth it to go to that event I really want to attend. That being said…
7. Try new things
Sometimes I stumble into some of the best panels I’ve ever attended by accident! So what if I didn’t make it into Big Event #1 with the massive line? I’ve learned everything from hat-making to pumpkin carving tips during some of the more unorthodox schedule listings. Who knows, I might become a fan of something really new and fun by the end of the weekend.
Sometimes I stumble into some of the best panels I’ve ever attended by accident! So what if I didn’t make it into Big Event #1 with the massive line? I’ve learned everything from hat-making to pumpkin carving tips during some of the more unorthodox schedule listings. Who knows, I might become a fan of something really new and fun by the end of the weekend.
8. Put down thy electronics
I shouldn’t drain my battery fiddling with my phone. My friends and my schedule will still be there, don’t worry about ‘em. Spend some time soaking up the atmosphere- everywhere you look, there is something to see, especially at DragonCon. I’ll definitely take a break or two to plug in during the day, but I should make more of an effort to be present in the moment.
I shouldn’t drain my battery fiddling with my phone. My friends and my schedule will still be there, don’t worry about ‘em. Spend some time soaking up the atmosphere- everywhere you look, there is something to see, especially at DragonCon. I’ll definitely take a break or two to plug in during the day, but I should make more of an effort to be present in the moment.
9. Make thy peace with the crowds
Crowds at DragonCon, like Atlanta traffic, are inevitable. No need to let them get me down! If there’s something really exciting I want to get to, getting there early is the best. Plus, I get to meet all the other die-hard fans. And unlike Atlanta traffic, the obstruction is usually way more exciting and fun. Like a hoop skirt, or a team of stormtroopers.
Crowds at DragonCon, like Atlanta traffic, are inevitable. No need to let them get me down! If there’s something really exciting I want to get to, getting there early is the best. Plus, I get to meet all the other die-hard fans. And unlike Atlanta traffic, the obstruction is usually way more exciting and fun. Like a hoop skirt, or a team of stormtroopers.
10. When in doubt, add booze and friends
Enough said.
Enough said.